Giants add FAs Schwartz, Jennings, Schofield on Day 1

EAST RUTHERFORD — The New York Giants started rebuilding their offensive line and found a little security at running back on the opening day of free agency in the NFL.

The Giants reached agreements with former Kansas City guard Geoff Schwartz and Oakland running back Rashad Jennings yesterday, the players announced in tweets. Seattle Seahawks linebacker O’Brien Schofield also agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal.

All three players were on their way to New Jersey to sign the deals.

A person close to the negotiations also said the Giants re-signed four players from last year’s team. The person, who requested anonymity because the team had not announced the re-signings, said placekicker Josh Brown, cornerback Trumaine McBride, safety Stevie Brown and running back Peyton Hillis will be back next season.

The deals with Schwartz and Jennings address the Giants’ two biggest needs.

The agreement with Schwartz, who has played with Carolina, Minnesota and the Chiefs, comes less than 24 hours after the Giants waived-injured center David Baas, who missed most of last season with neck and knee injuries.

With Chris Snee returning for an 11th season, Schwartz will fill the hole at left guard and that would allow Kevin Boothe to play center if he can be resigned. Justin Pugh will be the right tackle and Will Beatty will return at left tackle, if he can get over the broken leg he sustained in the final game of the regular season.